EmailBest Reviewed
Domain Name Registration
- Best domain registration service Namecheap.com *Est. $8
- Most popular domain name registrar GoDaddy.com *Est. $9
- Best alternative domain registration Your web hosting service *Est. $15
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Best domain registration service
- User-friendly interface
- Accepts PayPal
- Free transfers
- You own the domain
- No phone or chat support
- Occasional system problems
- No web hosting option
A company called Namecheap.com might not inspire much confidence, but reviewers and users say Namecheap is on the up-and-up. Prices are competitive; you get e-mail and URL forwarding, security features, free domain transfers and management control. The company says there are "no hidden charges and you own the domain in your name." Privacy protection with Namecheap.com is an option, as are e-mail accounts, but web hosting isn't offered. Namecheap.com offers 22 top-level domains including all the most common ones. Support is through e-mail only. Namecheap.com accepts PayPal, another plus. If you'd rather use a registrar that reduces the fee if you also sign up for hosting, consider the popular GoDaddy.com (*est. $9.20 or $1.99 with hosting).
We found the best comparison review of Namecheap.com at DomainRadar.com, where it's compared with six other domain registrars. At NamePros.com, almost 150 users rate and review Namecheap, while Rick Smith's review at ReviewsOnLine.com provides more detail. Jacob Gower's review at ForeverGeek.com focuses more on criticizing GoDaddy.com but does recommend Namecheap.com.
Our Sources
This review of seven domain registrars gives Sedo.com top ranking, but describes Namecheap as "one of the best places to buy and manage your domain names" for its easy interface, good rates and acceptance of PayPal. Occasional system problems are its only flaw.
Review: Registrar Review of Namecheap, Editors of DomainRadar.com, 2004-2005
2. NamePros.com
Nearly 150 users rate and review Namecheap.com as a domain registrar here, giving it top marks for interface and usability, but slightly lower ratings for features and value and an even lower rating of four (out of a possible five) for customer service.
Review: NameCheap, Contributors to NamePros.com
Namecheap.com earns praise here for good pricing and prompt customer service, but at least at the time of the review, complicates payment by not allowing spaces in the credit card number.
Review: Domain Registrars, Rick Smith, Aug. 2006
Most of this review focuses on criticizing GoDaddy.com for its relentless selling during the registration process, with Namecheap.com recommended as a good alternative. "Their administration system is simple and it doesn't bombard you while trying to make a simple purchase."
Review: GoDaddy Sucks, "Macgyver", July 4, 2006
